Current Affairs is the most important area in all competitive exams. But the difficulty level is very high. That’s why; many aspirants get confused, how to select Current Affairs for Preparation of Competitive Examination? In this Post, Daily Current Affairs 14 February 2025, we have tried to cover each and every point and also included all important facts from National/ International news that are useful for upcoming competitive examinations such as UPSC, SSC, Railway, State Govt. etc.

Haryana Launches ‘Har Khet-Swasth Khet’ to Boost Soil Health

The Haryana government has launched the ‘Har Khet-Swasth Khet’ campaign to enhance soil health and promote sustainable farming practices. As part of this initiative, soil samples will be collected from every acre of farmland across the state over the next three to four years, and Soil Health Cards will be provided to all farmers. The goal of the campaign is to assist farmers in making informed choices regarding soil fertility, nutrient management, and crop productivity.

Important Highlights of the ‘Har Khet-Swasth Khet’ Campaign

1. Soil Sample Collection and Soil Health Cards

• The campaign involves statewide soil testing for every acre of agricultural land.
• 70 lakh soil samples have already been collected.
• 55 lakh samples have been analyzed, and soil health cards have been distributed to farmers.
• Work on the remaining samples is in progress.
• More than 86 lakh soil health cards have been issued under the scheme.

2. Infrastructure for Soil and Water Testing

• 17 new permanent soil and water testing laboratories have been set up across Haryana.
• 54 small soil testing labs have been established in mandis (marketplaces).
• 240 small soil testing labs have been set up in government senior secondary schools and colleges, where students collect and test soil samples as part of their science education.

3. Digital Initiatives and Monitoring

• A dedicated ‘Har Khet-Swasth Khet’ portal was launched in 2022 for soil testing data and farmer accessibility.
• The portal helps monitor soil health trends and assists farmers in understanding their land’s fertility status.

4. Recognition and Awards

• The Soil Health Card Project won a gold medal from the Skoch Group in 2022 for its contribution to sustainable agriculture.

5. Pesticide Residue Monitoring

• Two laboratories have been set up in Sirsa and Karnal to monitor pesticide residues in soil, water, fruits, and vegetables.
• In 2023-24, a total of 3,640 samples were analyzed for pesticide residue levels.

6. Government’s Vision for Farmers

• The campaign focuses on scientific soil testing to guide farmers on proper fertilizer use and improve crop yield.
• The Haryana government aims to empower farmers with accurate soil health information to enhance sustainable agriculture.

National Women’s Day 2025

Every year on February 13, India observes National Women’s Day to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu, a prominent freedom fighter, poet, and social reformer. Renowned as the Nightingale of India, Naidu played a vital role in the country’s struggle for independence and was a passionate advocate for women’s rights and gender equality. This day not only honors her significant contributions to Indian history but also promotes women’s empowerment, leadership, and equal opportunities.

History and Significance of National Women’s Day

The Government of India has declared February 13 as National Women’s Day to honor Sarojini Naidu’s significant contributions in areas such as politics, literature, and social justice. Born in Hyderabad on February 13, 1879, she was a child prodigy who grew to be one of the most impactful women in India’s fight for independence.

Bangladesh’s Shohely Akhter Becomes First Woman Cricketer Banned by ICC for Corruption

In a significant but regrettable event, Bangladesh’s Shohely Akhter has made history as the first female cricketer to receive a ban from the International Cricket Council (ICC) due to corruption charges. The 36-year-old player was found guilty of trying to fix matches during the 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup and has been issued a five-year suspension from all cricket activities.

The Corruption Charges and ICC’s Ban

The ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) determined that Shohely Akhter breached five provisions of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code. She acknowledged the charges and agreed to a five-year ban, set to begin on February 10, 2025.

Shohely was charged with breaching Articles 2.1.1, 2.1.3, 2.1.4, 2.4.4, and 2.4.7 of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code, which cover:

• Attempting to fix matches or influence their outcome.
• Engaging in corrupt conduct by making improper approaches to fellow players.
• Failing to report corrupt approaches to the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU).

RBI Clears Kotak Mahindra Bank’s Digital Onboarding Ban

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has remove the restrictions on Kotak Mahindra Bank, permitting it to once again onboard new customers online and issue new credit cards. These limitations were initially imposed in April 2024 because of significant issues with the bank’s IT infrastructure. Now that the necessary corrective actions have been implemented, the bank is set to fully resume its digital operations.

Why Were Restrictions Imposed on Kotak Mahindra Bank?

In April 2024, the RBI instructed Kotak Mahindra Bank to cease onboarding customers via digital platforms and put a stop to the issuance of new credit cards. This decision was based on IT audits conducted in 2022 and 2023, which found deficiencies in multiple areas, including:

• IT inventory management
• Patch and change management
• User access controls
• Vendor risk assessment
• Data security and business continuity planning

The RBI observed that despite repeated warnings, Kotak Mahindra Bank had not sufficiently addressed these risks, leading to regulatory intervention.

Tata Elxsi & Garuda Aerospace to Boost India’s UAV Sector

In a significant move to enhance India’s self-sufficiency in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, Tata Elxsi and Garuda Aerospace have joined forces to create a Centre of Excellence focused on drone design, engineering, and certification. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed during Aero India 2025, representing an important advancement in India’s UAV industry. This partnership supports the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and seeks to develop homegrown drone solutions for defense, agriculture, and smart city applications.

What is the primary goal of this partnership?

The joint initiative aims to enhance UAV technology through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and AI-driven analytics. This approach is expected to boost drone performance, decrease energy consumption by 20%, and lower costs by more than 20%. A primary goal is to establish a completely indigenous vendor ecosystem, reducing dependence on imported drone parts. Additionally, the collaboration intends to shorten UAV development cycles by as much as six months, thereby speeding up India’s entry into the global UAV market.

How will Tata Elxsi and Garuda Aerospace contribute?

Tata Elxsi will lead the design, development, testing, and certification of UAV subsystems, using its expertise in avionics, miniaturization, ground control systems, and secure communication. The company will ensure regulatory compliance with global standards like DO-254 and DO-178C. Additionally, Tata Elxsi will integrate AI-driven autonomous systems, digital twin technologies, and advanced propulsion systems to enhance drone efficiency..

Ellie | Asia’s First Animatronic Elephant Debuts in Bengaluru

In a significant move to promote animal welfare, Asia’s first life-sized animatronic elephant, named Ellie, was unveiled in Bengaluru on February 11, 2025. Developed by PETA India and voiced by actress Dia Mirza, Ellie aims to educate children about the difficult truths surrounding elephant captivity. This initiative seeks to foster compassion and empathy in young minds, enabling them to grasp the challenges faced by animals exploited for entertainment.

How Does Ellie Teach Compassion Through Technology?

Ellie is more than just a lifelike model; she is a hyper-realistic animatronic elephant that moves, blinks her eyes, and flaps her ears, imitating the actions of a real elephant. She tells an interactive story about being separated from her mother, the hardships she endured in a circus, and her eventual rescue to a sanctuary. By engaging with Ellie’s story, students can gain a deeper understanding of why elephants should not be used in circuses, parades, or for rides.

This approach of using technology for education is a fresh and engaging way to make young minds more aware of ethical treatment toward animals. As PETA India continues to expand this initiative, Ellie is expected to become a crucial tool in promoting humane education.

Where Has Ellie Traveled So Far?

Since May 2023, Ellie has connected with more than 165,000 children throughout India. She has traveled to private, public, and international schools, captivating students with her authentic presence and heartfelt storytelling. Now, after her official unveiling in Bengaluru, Ellie is set to visit multiple schools in the city, including:

• St. Joseph Indian Primary School
• St. Joseph Indian High School
• Samsidh International School HSR
• One World International School (Whitefield)
• Ujjval World School
• Presidency School (RT Nagar)
• Winmore Academy (Whitefield and Jakkur)
• Samsidh International School Horamavu
• Little Millennium

Through these visits, PETA India hopes to spread awareness about ethical treatment of elephants and discourage practices that involve animal cruelty.

IIFA 2025: Rakesh Roshan to Receive Prestigious Award

Veteran filmmaker Rakesh Roshan will be honored with the esteemed ‘Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema’ award at the IIFA 2025. This recognition highlights his significant contributions to Indian cinema as a director, producer, and actor. The grand event is scheduled for March 8-9, 2025, in Jaipur, Rajasthan, coinciding with IIFA’s 25th anniversary (Silver Jubilee celebrations).

Important Points:

Rakesh Roshan’s Reaction to the Award

• Expressed gratitude and excitement, calling it “incredibly special.”
• Acknowledged IIFA’s role in celebrating cinematic excellence.
• Feels immense pride to receive the award as IIFA marks 25 years.
• Appreciates IIFA’s contribution to promoting Indian talent globally.

Rakesh Roshan’s Long-standing Association with IIFA

• Present since IIFA’s inaugural event in 2000.
• Witnessed IIFA’s growth into a globally recognized film award ceremony.
• Described IIFA as more than an award show—a grand celebration of Indian cinema and storytelling.

India Hosts First-Ever International Conference on Governance

India is set to host the annual Conference of the International Institute of Administrative Science (IIAS) for the very first time. The IIAS-DARPG India Conference 2025 will take place in New Delhi from February 10-14, 2025. This international event offers a platform for experts from more than 55 countries to engage in discussions about innovations in public administration, governance, and policymaking. Additionally, the conference will feature the annual General Assembly meeting of the IIAS.

Key Highlights of the IIAS-DARPG India Conference 2025

• Organizers: Jointly hosted by the International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS) and the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Government of India.
• Theme: “Next Generation Administrative Reforms – Empowering Citizens and Reaching the Last Mile.”
• Venue: New Delhi, India.
• Dates: February 10-14, 2025.
• Inauguration: The event was inaugurated by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions on February 11, 2025.

RBI Injects ₹2.5 Lakh Crore to Strengthen Banking Liquidity

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced a major liquidity fusion of ₹2.5 lakh crore into the banking system via a Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction. This action is intended to tackle the existing liquidity shortfall in the financial system, which has been affected by several economic factors. The liquidity assistance will aid in stabilizing the banking sector, facilitating the uninterrupted flow of credit and averting significant disruptions in financial markets.

Why is RBI injecting ₹2.5 lakh crore into the banking system?

The RBI’s decision to inject this large sum stems from growing liquidity concerns in the banking system. Various factors have led to this liquidity shortfall, including:

• Foreign Exchange Market Interventions – The RBI has been actively intervening in the forex market to stabilize the weakening rupee. This has led to a significant drain on rupee liquidity.

• Fiscal Outflows – Government-related fiscal transactions, including tax payments and public sector spending, have further tightened liquidity conditions.
• Economic Growth Concerns – The RBI aims to maintain financial stability while ensuring credit availability for businesses and consumers.

The liquidity support through the VRR mechanism will help banks maintain a healthy balance sheet and continue lending to industries, ensuring economic growth momentum is sustained.

How will the RBI conduct the liquidity injection?

To effectively manage this liquidity infusion, the RBI has scheduled daily Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auctions in Mumbai on all working days. These auctions enable banks to borrow funds at variable interest rates to meet their short-term liquidity requirements. Key points of this mechanism include:

• Daily Auctions – The RBI will conduct these auctions regularly to keep liquidity conditions stable.
• Short-Term Reversals – Borrowed funds will be reversed the next working day, ensuring flexibility in liquidity management.
• Market-Based Rates – The VRR ensures that funds are injected into the system based on market-determined interest rates, preventing excessive liquidity build-up.

Shikhar Dhawan Named ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Ambassador

The upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held from February 19 to March 9, 2025, in Pakistan and Dubai, is already creating a buzz in the cricket community. Adding to the excitement, former India opener Shikhar Dhawan has been named as one of the four official event ambassadors for the prestigious tournament. The tournament, which has seen some memorable moments in the past, is poised to deliver more thrilling cricket action, and Dhawan’s involvement as an ambassador adds an extra layer of intrigue for fans.